Part removal apparatus

ABSTRACT

Part removal apparatus for removing and discharging in an oriented position parts formed on machines having reciprocating platens, such as plastic molding machines, for example. Relative movement between the platens of the machine is employed to mechanically drive a part holding element between the separating platens to position a part receiving holder in adjacent position to a freshly formed part which is retained on one of the machine platens. The part is transferred to the holder by the application of vacuum to the holder which then sucks the part into the holder and retains the part on the holder temporarily. The holder is mechanically driven by closing movement of the platens to retract clear of the platens and to thus carry the part into operative alignment with a discharge chute. As the holder arrives in operative alignment with the discharge chute, a pressure source is connected to the holder and to the chute, the application of pressure to the holder blowing the part clear of the holder into the discharge chute, while the application of pressure to the discharge chute blows the freshly received part from the discharge chute into a stationary chute located to be in alignment with the discharge chute at this particular moment.

United States Patent 91 Guest et a1.

[ 1 May 22, 1973 [54] PART REMOVAL APPARATUS [73] Assignee:Owens-Illinois, 1nc., Toledo, Ohio [22] Filed: Apr. 21, 1971 21 Appl.No.: 135,926

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No.846,087, July 30,

1969, abandoned.

[52] 11.5. C1. ..425/186, 425/388, 425/437 [51] Int. Cl ..B29c 7/00,B29c 1/14, B29f 1/14 [58] Field of Search ..425/186, 397, 388,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Primary ExaminerRobert L.Spicer, Jr.

Att0rneyJ. R. Nelson and E. J. Holler [57] ABSTRACT Part removalapparatus for removing and discharging in an oriented position partsformed on machines having reciprocating platens, such as plastic moldingmachines, for example. Relative movement between the platens of themachine is employed to mechanically drive a part holding element betweenthe separating platens to position a part receiving holder in adjacentposition to a freshly formed part which is retained on one of themachine platens. The part is transferred to the holder by theapplication of vacuum to the holder which then sucks the part into theholder and retains the part on the holder temporarily. The holder ismechanically driven by closing movement of the platens to retract clearof the platens and to thus carry the part into operative alignment witha discharge chute. As the holder arrives in operative alignment with thedischarge chute, a pressure source is connected to the holder and to thechute, the application of pressure to the holder blowing the part clearof the holder into the discharge chute, while the application ofpressure to the discharge chute blows the freshly received part from thedischarge chute into a stationary chute located to be in alignment withthe discharge chute at this particular moment.

5 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures Pmimm' z 3,734,666

SHEET 3 OF 4 lea IN ENTOR. 'PAUCR uES'T FIG. 5 BY PAIENIEW 3,734,666

SHEET a 0F 4 ENTORS BY R 1532 .1414 1 2. .Hulw zkE-VS PART REMOVALAPPARATUS RELATED U.S. APPLICATION This application is acontinuation-in-part of an earlier application, Ser. No. 846,087 filedJuly 30, I969, now abandoned.

This invention relates to improvements in part removal apparatus.

The removal of parts from machines, such as molds, presses, formingmachines, etc. usually is done mechanically by the use of cams andlinkages. These cams and linkages are restricted to relatively lowspeeds of operation because of their tendency to become mis lined as thespeed is increased and because of the wear problem which is magnified byall of the multiplemoving linkage and cam connections. Also, these camsand linkages become somewhat complicated when they derive their motionfrom the machine itself so as to achieve synchronous action.

To overcome these and other problems, novel part removal apparatus iscontemplated utilizing simplified structure that is capable of operatingat high speeds and which can conveniently and easily be connected to andinterlocked with a machine so as to insure proper operation at alltimes.

The particular machine shown in this application is especially designedfor the handling of relatively light weight parts, such as a cup-shapedplastic element. The relatively light weight of the part enables thepart to be selectively gripped by or ejected from a cup-shaped partreceiving holder by the selective application of vacuum or pressure tothe holder.

Other objectives of the invention include the provision of aninterlocking arrangement that facilitates servicing of the associatedmachine as well as the part removal apparatus.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent from the following description and from the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plastic molding machine havinginstalled thereon part removal apparatus incorporating the principles ofthe invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are partial side elevation views of the machine showingthe part removal apparatus respectively engaging and removing a part;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are enlarged fragmentary views of the part removalapparatus showing a part respectively being ejected and engaged by theapparatus; FIG. 5 includes a schematic diagram of a pressure-vacuumcontrol system;

FIG. 5a is a schematic diagram of an electric control circuit; and FIG.6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 1 showinginterlocking arrangement for the machine and the part removal apparatus.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a plastic forming machine is depicted whichincludes a frame 10 provided with horizontal guideway 12, two on eachside. These guideways 12 movably support a platen 14, which incorporatesa male mold part 16. A platen 18 is affixed to the frame 10 and includesa female mold part and a suitable power-operated mechanism, such as amotor denoted by the numberal 21, moves the movable platen 14 intoengagement with the fixed platen l8 and then in a well known way, anozzle 22, best viewed in FIG. 5, ejects a plastic material which flowsoutwardly between the mold parts 16 and 20 to form a cup-shaped part 24.Also as viewed in FIG. 5, this molded cupshaped part 24 is thereafterremoved from the work area between the two platens 14 and 18 (movedapart by the motor 21), by part removal apparatus designated by thenumeral 26.

The apparatus 26 includes a part holding device 28 which engages theparts 24 and a rack and gear assembly 30 which maneuvers the device 28relative to the work area. After its removal from the work area, thepart 24 is discharged into a discharge chute 32 which is supplied withair under pressure at appropriate times to blow the part 24 into astationary receiving chute 32a.

The part holding device 28 as viewed in FIG. 5, includes a cup-shapedholder 33 that embraces the part 24 and may be supplied with vacuum froman appropriate vacuum source VS so as to retain the part 24 within theholder 33 for transportation to the discharge chute 32.

The rack and gear assembly 30 is connected to the cup-shaped holder 33by a T-shaped arm 35 which is secured to the cup-shaped member 33. Theassembly 30 also includes a pair of driven racks 36, which are connectedto the opposite ends of the T-shaped arm 35, and a carriage 38 which ismounted on the movable platen 14. These driven racks 36 are movablevertically up and down on carriage 38 so as to move the cupshaped holder33 into and out of the work area defined between the platens l4 and 18.As shown in FIG. 1, a series of large and small roller guides 40 and 42on carriage 38 serve as guideways for these driven racks 36. A cross-bar44 between the driven racks 36 along with the T-shaped arm 35 insuresthat the two driven racks 36 move together.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, the gear and rack assembly 30 furtherincludes a pair of spaced apart large gears 48, each engaging one of thedriven racks 36 and a shaft on which these gears 48 are drive connected.This shaft 50, is, in turn, revolvably supported on the carrier 38.Also, a part of the assembly 30 and attached to this shaft 50 is anotherpair of spaced apart gears 52 and a pair of fixed drive racks 54. Eachof these racks 54 engages one of the gears 52 and is secured to oppositecaniage guideways 55 on each side of the frame 10. This back and forthhorizontal movement of the carriage 38 with the movable platen 14 will,through the drive connection between the small gears 52 and the driveracks 54, impart rotation to the large gears 48, which then move thedriven racks 36 up and down on carriage 38.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a schematic diagram of a controlcircuit by means of which the interior of cup 33 is supplied atappropriate times with either vacuum or air under pressure. The interiorof cup 33 is connected via a conduit to the outlet port of a threeposition solenoid actuated valve 62 which is of conventionalconstruction and has thus been illustrated only schematically. In FIG.5, valve 62 is shown in its centered or neutral position in which thevalve closes the adjacent end of conduit 60 and also closes the adjacentend of a vacuum supply conduit 64, connected to a vacuum source VS andalso the adjacent end of a pressure supply conduit 66 connected to apressure source PS. Valve 62 is so constructed that when one of itscontrolling solenoids P is energized, the valve is shifted to the rightfrom the position shown in FIG. 5 to connect pressure conduit 66 to cupconduit 60 via internal passage P1 of the valve. Alternatively, when theother control solenoid V of valve 62 is energized, the valve member ismoved to the left from the position illustrated in FIG. to place vacuumconduit 64 in communication with cup conduit 60 via internal passage VIof the valve.

Pressure source PS is also connected via a solenoid actuated on-off typevalve 68 to a supply conduit 70 which opens into the end of chute 32 tosupply'an air blast through the chute to blow parts from chute 32. InFIG. 5, valve 68 is in its off position in which communication betweenpressure conduit 66 and chute conduit 70 is blocked. Upon energizationof the solenoid C of chute valve 68, conduits 66 and 70 areinterconnected by an internal conduit C1 of valve 68 which is moved intoalignment with the two conduits by energization of solenoid C.

-Actuation of solenoids P, V, and C is achieved by an electrical controlcircuit schematically illustrated in FIG. 5a. All solenoids are normallyde-energized and are energized only upon the closure of the appropriateone of limit switches LS1 and LS2. Referring briefly to FIGS. 2 and 3,it is seen that limit switches LS1 and LS2 are mounted on the outer sideof carriage guide way 55 with their strikers projecting into the path ofmovement of an actuating cam 72 which is mounted upon and movable withcarriage 38. Cam 72 is located to engage and depress the striker oflimit switch LS1, thereby closing the limit switch contact, when thepart holding cup 33 is in its upper most or discharge position, alignedwith the receiving opening of discharge chute 32. Closure of thecontacts of limit switch LS1, referring now to the diagram of FIG. 5a,complete a circuit across electrical supply lines L1 and L2 through theparallel connected solenoids and P and C, and thus energizing thesolenoids to supply air under pressure from pressure source PS to cup 33to discharge chute 32. The supply of air to cup 33 blows a part carriedby the cup into discharge chute 32 while the supply of air to the chutein turn blows the part clear of chute 32 into stationary receiving chute32a.

When part holding cup 33 is in its part receiving position, illustratedin FIG. 2, limit switch actuating cam 72 has engaged and despressed thestriker of limit switch LS2. Returning to FIG. 5a, it is seen thatclosure of limit switch LS2 energizes solenoid V, thereby actuatingvalve 62 to supply vacuum from vacuum source VS to cup 33.

The configuration of cam 72 is such that the striker of limit switch LS2is engaged and depressed by the cam before the part holding cup 33arrives at its lower most part receiving position illustrated in FIG. 2.The striker of limit switch LS2 thus is depressed and maintained in adepressed position until cup 33 has started to move upwardly away fromthe mold. When cam 72 clears the striker of limit switch LS2, thusenabling its contacts to open, solenoid V is de-energized and valve 62returns to its neutral position. However, because at this time a vacuumexists and is held by the retained part in cup 33, the part remains inthe cup until it arrives at the part discharging position illustrated inFIG. 3. The configuration of cam 72 is such that the striker of limitswitch LS1 is depressed only when the cup has arrived at a position inalignment with the part receiving opening in discharge chute 32. Partholding cup 33 normally will remain in the part discharge position shownin FIG. 3 for the period of time required to inject plastic into the nowclosed mold assembly and for the formation of the plastic articles,hence ample time is provided to transfer the part from cup 33 into chute32 and in turn to discharge the part from chute 32.

It should be noted that discharge chute 32 is mounted upon and ismovable with carriage 38 and hence is in the desired alignment withreceiving chute 32a only when the mold is fully closed.

The carriage 38 is mounted on the movable platen 14 either for movementwith the movable platen 14, or movement relative to it when attached tothe frame 10. This relative movement is facilitated by the carriageguideways 55, which are engaged by guide rollers 56 on carriage 38 (seeFIG. 1). These connections between the carriage 38, the platen l4 andthe frame 10 are made by an oppositely acting pin device, denotedgenerally by the numeral 58. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the pin device 58is mounted on and secured to the movable platen 14 and includes twocarriage engaging pins 59 and two frame engaging pins 160, which engageopenings 162 in the carriage guideway 55. The device 58 employs socketmembers 164, which are pivoted about their axes by an actuator 166, soin the illustrated position the carrier engaging pins 59 engage openings168 in carriage 38 and thus connect carriage 38 to the movable platen14, whereas the frame engaging pins are out of engagement with theguideway openings 162. Consequently, carriage 38 will move back andforth with the movable platen 14. If now the actuator 166 is pulledupwardly to pivot the socket members 164 about their axes, the carriageengaging pins 59 will be withdrawn from the opening 168 and the frameengaging pins 160 will be moved into engagement with the openings 162.This permits the machine to be operated in whatever way desired withoutthe part removal apparatus 26 being moved and becoming operative. Thedevice 58 particularly facilitates the cleaning and the servicing of themachine.

Briefly summarizing now the operation: Assuming that the pin device 58is operated by the actuator 166 so as to connect carriage 38 to themovable platen 14 and that the movable platen 14 has been moved intoengagement with the fixed platen 18, the part removal apparatus 26 willthen be in the FIG. 3 position with the driven racks 36 in theiruppermost position and carriage 38 in its rightmost position. Also, itwill be assumed that the plastic-like material has been ejected by thenozzle 22 and a part 24 formed. To commence a cycle of operation, themovable platen 14 will now be separated from the fixed platen 18 and asthis movement occurs, carriage 38 will be moved with the movable platen14 leftwardly so that the small gears 52 will be revolvedcounterclockwise due to the movement of the carrier 38 relative to thefixed drive racks 54. The large gears 48, will also revolvecounterclockwise and, in turn, move the driven racks 36 downwardly tothe FIG. 2 position. In this FIG. 2 position and also as dis played inFIG. 5, the holder 33 will grasp the part 24, due to the suction fromthe vacuum source VS at this point, as described above, carriage 38 willreverse direction as the movable platen 14 is returned to the FIG. 3position to commence the forming of another part. Consequently, therotation of the gears 48 and 52 will be reversed and the driven racks 36will be moved upwardly to the FIG. 3 position. This will move the holder33 and the part 24 to the uppermost position of the driven racks 36 andopposite the discharge chute 32.

Pressure is now supplied to the holder as described above to eject thepart 24 into discharge chute 32 which in turn blows the part into thealigned receiving chute 32a in an oriented position. This cycle ofoperation is repeated with the carrier 38 being moved back and forth totransfer the parts 24 from the mold to receiving chute 32a insynchronism with the movements of the movable platen 14.

What is claimed is:

1. Part removal apparatus for removing and discharging formed parts froma machine having a frame, pair of platens mounted on said frame formovement relative to each other, and means for moving said platensrelative to each other between an open and a closed part formingposition, the formed part being retained upon one of said platens uponopening of the platens; said apparatus comprising a carriage mountedupon said one of said platens, a part discharge chute fixedly mounted onsaid carriage, a part holder mounted on said carriage for movementbetween a part discharge position adjacent said chute and a part pick upposition adjacent that portion of said one of said platens upon whichthe part is retained on opening of said platens, means coupled betweensaid carriage and the other of said platens for driving said part holderto said pick up position upon opening of said platens and for drivingsaid part holder to said discharge position upon closing of saidplatens, a part receiving chute located to be operatively aligned withsaid part discharge chute when said platens are closed, a pressuresource, a vacuum source, first control means operable when said partholder is adjacent said pick up position for operatively connecting saidvacuum source to said holder to cause said holder to grip and retain apart upon said holder, second control means operable upon the arrival ofsaid holder at said discharge position for operatively connecting saidpressure source to said holder to blow a part from said holder into saiddischarge chute, and pneumatic means for transferring a part from saiddischarge chute to said receiving chute while the platens are in theirclosed position.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said receiving chute ismounted at a stationary location, said one of said platens and saidcarriage being movable to a position where said discharge chute isaligned with said receiving chute only when said platens are closed.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the other of said platens isfixed to said frame, and means for selectively locking said carriage tosaid frame or to said one of said platens for movement therewith.

4. Part removal apparatus for removing and discharging formed parts froma machine having a frame, a first platen fixed to said frame, a secondplaten mounted on said frame for movement toward and away from saidfirst platen between an open position and a closed part formingposition, the formed part being retained on said second platen uponmovement of said second platen to said open position; said apparatuscomprising a part receiving chute mounted upon said frame, a partdischarge chute mounted on said second platen for movement therewith tobe located in an inoperative position out of alignment with saidreceiving chute when said platens are open and in an operative parttransfer position in alignment with said receiving chute when saidplatens are closed, a part holder mounted on said second platen formovement between a part receiving position adjacent a formed partretained on said second platen and a part discharge position inalignment with said discharge chute, drive means coupled between saidframe and said part holder to locate said part holder in said receivingposition when said platens are open and in said discharge position whensaid platens are closed, first means operable when said platens are opento transfer the retained part from second platen to said holder, andsecond means operable when said platens are closed to transfer the partfrom said holder to said receiving chute via said discharge chute.

5. Part removal apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said first meanscomprises means for applying a vacuum to said holder, and said secondmeans comprises means for supplying air under pressure to said holder toblow said part into said discharge chute and for supplying air underpressure to said discharge chute to blow said part into said receivingchute.

1. Part removal apparatus for removing and discharging formed parts froma machine having a frame, pair of platens mounted on said frame formovement relative to each other, and means for moving said platensrelative to each other between an open and a closed part formingposition, the formed part being retained upon one of said platens uponopening of the platens; said apparatus comprising a carriage mountedupon said one of said platens, a part discharge chute fixedly mounted onsaid carriage, a part holder mounted on said carriage for movementbetween a part discharge position adjacent said chute and a part pick upposition adjacent that portion of said one of said platens upon whichthe part is retained on opening of said platens, means coupled betweensaid carriage and the other of said platens for driving said part holderto said pick up position upon opening of said platens and for drivingsaid part holder to said discharge position upon closing of saidplatens, a part receiving chute located to be operatively aligned withsaid part discharge chute when said platens are closed, a pressuresource, a vacuum source, first control means operable when said partholder is adjacent said pick up position for operatively connecting saidvacuum source to said holder to cause said holder to grip and retain apart upon said holder, second control means operable upon the arrival ofsaid holder at said discharge position for operatively connecting saidpressure source to said holder to blow a part from said holder into saiddischarge chute, and pneumatic means for transferring a part from saiddischarge chute to said receiving chute while the platens are in theirclosed position.
 2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein saidreceiving chute is mounted at a stationary location, said one of saidplatens and said carriage being movable to a position where saiddischarge chute is aligned with said receiving chute only when saidplatens are closed.
 3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the otherof said platens is fixed to said frame, and means for selectivelylocking said carriage to said frame or to said one of said platens formovement therewith.
 4. Part removal apparatus for removing anddischarging formed parts from a machine having a frame, a first platenfixed to said frame, a second platen mounted on said frame for movementtoward and away from said first platen between an open position and aclosed part forming position, the formed part being retained on saidsecond platen upon movement of said second platen to said open position;said apparatus comprising a part receiving chute mounted upon saidframe, a part discharge chute mounted on said second platen for movementtherewith to be located in an inoperative position out of alignment withsaid receiving chute when said platens are open and in an operative parttransfer position in alignment with said receiving chute when saidplatens are closed, a part holder mounted on said second platen formovement between a part receiving position adjacent a formed partretained on said second platen and a part discharge position inalignment with said discharge chute, drive means coupled between saidframe and said part holder to locate said part holder in said receivingposition when said platens are open and in said discharge position whensaid platens are closed, first means operable when said platens are opento transfer the retained part from second platen to said holder, andsecond means operable when said platens are closed to transfer the partfrom said holder to said receiving chute via said discharge chute. 5.Part removal apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said first meanscomprises means for applying a vacuum to said holder, and said secondmeans comprises means for supplying air under pressure to said holder toblow said part into said discharge chute and for supplying air underpressure to said dischArge chute to blow said part into said receivingchute.